ICNP^®-Based Nursing Care of a Patient with Erectile Dysfunction, Type 2 Diabetes, and Obesity: A Case Study

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes and obesity and significantly affects patients' quality of life. Nursing care for patients with metabolic multimorbidity requires a holistic, structured approach. The International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP^®) enables standardized formulation of nursing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes and supports structured and individualized ICNP^®-based care planning.

This study aimed to develop and present an ICNP^®-based nursing care plan for a patient with erectile dysfunction associated with type 2 diabetes and obesity and to demonstrate the applicability of ICNP^® in holistic nursing management of chronic disease.

A descriptive single-case study was conducted in 2025 in a cardiology ward in Poland. Data were collected using a nursing interview, observation, medical documentation analysis, and standardized tools (IIEF-5, SF-36v2). Based on a comprehensive assessment of physical, psychological, and social status, nursing diagnoses, interventions, and expected outcomes were formulated according to ICNP^® terminology.

The patient presented with poorly controlled diabetes, class I obesity, moderate erectile dysfunction, reduced testosterone levels, and decreased quality of life, particularly in psychosocial domains. Key ICNP^® nursing diagnoses included erectile dysfunction, deficient knowledge, obesity, disturbed psychological status, impaired endocrine function, impaired cardiovascular function, and impaired adaptation. Individualized ICNP^®-based interventions focused on metabolic control, lifestyle modification, sexual health support, education, and psychosocial support. Implementation of the care plan was associated with improvements in health behaviors, disease knowledge, and psychological well-being.

ICNP^® provides a useful framework for structured and comprehensive nursing care in patients with diabetes-related erectile dysfunction and multimorbidity. Case-based ICNP^® care planning supports holistic management, interdisciplinary collaboration, and quality improvement in chronic disease nursing.